Exercise support frame system

ABSTRACT

An exercise support frame system includes a lower base assembly able to rest on the ground and an upper frame assembly able to surround a user standing on the lower base. A horizontal bar is disposed within the upper frame above the user, and may either be used as a pull-up bar, or may support various implements useful for various arm lift interfaces. The upper frame has left and right vertical supports, which are affixed to the base via a pair of pins passing through each support. The pins are modular and permit the upper frame to pivot upon the base when only one pin is passed through each vertical support, enabling conversion of the exercise support frame between deployed and stowage configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art nor material to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of exerciseassisting devices of existing art and more specifically relates to anexercise support frame.

RELATED ART

The art teaches a wide variety of platforms, frames, and supports forweight lifting and other exercise methods. As the human body includesmany muscles which require different movements to use and strengthen,new machines need to be devised to more effectively exercise thesemuscles. As these new machines continue to be devised, they become morespecialized, and a new problem arises: too many exercise devices (i.e.,bench presses, squat frames, left lift apparatuses) provide allowancefor movement to exercise only one muscle group. Home gym users arepresented with the daunting challenge of obtaining and storing all ofthese machines, or otherwise forgoing the development of some musclegroups. It is perceived that the industry still lacks suitable solutionsfor machines which provide opportunity to exercise many muscle groupswith a single machine. Traditional weight training devices furthermorerequire a large quantity of modular weights to meet difference strengthneeds. Alternative methods, especially for leg and arm lifts, providepotential for simplification. Accordingly, there is perceived a need foran exercise apparatus suited for weightless exercises which enable awide variety of implements to be used and a plethora of differentexercise movements to be performed.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,871 to David Luedeka relates to a body weighttrainer apparatus. The described body weight trainer includes a deviceallowing for the strengthening and normalization of functional movementpatterns for those who are not otherwise able. The device accomplishesthis with the use of resilient strength bands which are provided in theform of heavy duty rubber bands of varying widths. The bands areselectively attached to a frame via selectively-moveable band holders.The device may then be used to offload the user's weight and thusdecrease resistance or it can be used to increase the resistance of anexercise. The bands can be oriented to offload the user's body weightallowing a user to exercise with proper form. Once normal functionalmovement can take place without the bands, the device may be configuredto utilize the bands as resistance to improve these functional motionpatterns. Luedeka's apparatus is representative of attempts in the artto improve exercise devices by increasing modularity and addingprovisions for new lifting implements. However, Luedeka's body weighttrainer fails to provide a sufficiently simple, functional, stowable,and efficient support structure for a wide variety of arm lift and leglift implements. Accordingly, a superior solution is still desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known exerciseapparatus art, the present disclosure provides a novel exercise supportframe system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which willbe described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an exercisesupport frame system.

An exercise support frame system is disclosed herein. The exercisesupport frame system includes a lower base assembly able to rest on theground and an upper frame assembly able to surround a user standing onthe lower base. A horizontal bar is disposed within the upper frameabove the user, and may either be used as a pull-up bar, or may supportvarious implements useful for various arm lift interfaces. The upperframe has left and right vertical supports, which are affixed to thebase via a pair of pins passing through each support. The pins aremodular and permit the upper frame to pivot upon the base when only onepin is passed through each vertical support, enabling conversion of theexercise support frame between deployed and stowage configurations.Additional features of both the base and the upper frame encourageflexibility in use of various accessories with the exercise supportframe acting as a stable mount for any exercise implement or procedure.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught hereinwithout necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to benovel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. These and other features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings and detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, anexercise support frame system, constructed and operative according tothe teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise support frame during an‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise support frame system ofFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the exercise support framesystem of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the exercise support frame 100of FIG. 1 in a deployed position and an undeployed positionrespectively.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the exercisesupport frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded detail view illustrating the bores which enablethe upper frame assembly and the base assembly to interface.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to anexercise apparatus and more particularly to an exercise support framesystem as used to improve the provision of a stable and efficientlystowable exercise frame which provides a platform for a variety of armlift and leg lift exercise implements.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals ofreference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6 various views of an exercisesupport frame system 100.

FIG. 1 shows an exercise support frame 100 during an ‘in-use’ conditionaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the exercisesupport frame 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to perform avariety of lifting exercises. As illustrated, the exercise support frame100 may include base 110 supporting exercise support frame 100 upon afloor surface, frame 120 coupled to and rising above base 110, andsupport-bar 130 supported within frame 120. User 40 may lift himselfupon support-bar 130 by hand, for example, to perform pull-ups.Alternatively, exercise devices such as straps, slings, and liftingassistants may be coupled to support-bar 130. As illustrated, base 110may be perforated with slots 105. To slots 105 may be attachedresistance bands 200. Slots 105 may be arranged in a rectangular array.As illustrated, it is envisioned that resistance bands 200 may offer asupplementary or alternative method of exercising using exercise supportframe 100. Furthermore, exercise support frame 100 is arranged such thatarm lifts and leg lifts may be performed simultaneously. Resistancebands may allow the execution of leg lifts and other advantageousexercises. Exercise support frame 100 provides a rigid, stationary, andsafe means of anchoring resistance bands 200 and arm lift devices toperform exercises in a manner preferable to utilizing dumbbells or otherassisting devices.

FIG. 2 shows the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the exercise supportframe 100 may include base 110, frame 120, and support-bar 130. Base 110may include platform 112, which itself may be defined by upperside 114and underside 116. Upperside 114 may be substantially flat, exceptingwhat discontinuities may be represented by slots 105 (FIG. 1)perforating platform 112. Plurality of feet 118 may be affixed tounderside 116 of 112, either permanently or detachable. In someembodiments, plurality of feet 118 may be threaded into or bolted toplatform 112, and may include rubber surfaces to prevent slippage upon afloor surface. Preferably, platform 112 is shaped to prevent a user fromstubbing their toes or tripping upon it. To this effect, two sides(opposite each other, in those directions from which a user may passwithin and under frame 120) may be formed into ramps 119. Asillustrated, with both ramps, base 110 may have a trapezoidal shaped ina profile view. Platform 112 and ramps 119 may be formed of sheet steelin some embodiments, and may be welded or otherwise affixed together. Insome embodiments, struts concealed beneath platform 112 may joinplatform 112 and ramps 119, and also service a secondary purpose ofadding rigidity to the assembly.

Base 110 may also include first-interface 150 and second-interface 160,to which frame 120 may attach to. First-interface 150 may be rigidlyaffixed to upperside 114 of platform 112 and may have a first-pair ofpin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) arrayed linearly and first-channel 240 (FIG. 6)intersecting each bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6).Likewise, second-interface 160 may be rigidly affixed to upperside 114of platform 112 and may have a second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6)arrayed linearly and second-channel 242 (FIG. 6) intersecting each boreof second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). First-channel 240 (FIG. 6) andsecond-channel 242 (FIG. 6) may be parallel to each other, and may eachbe perpendicular to upperside 114 of platform 112. These allow a passagefor frame 120 to pivot within upon base 110, as will be explained ingreater detail.

Frame 120 may include first-vertical-support 170,second-vertical-support 180 running parallel to first-vertical-support170, and canopy 132 joining first-vertical-support 170 andsecond-vertical-support 180 together at an end distal to where frame 120affixes to base 110. First-vertical-support 170 may have first-series ofbar-bores 220, which may be arrayed linearly alongfirst-vertical-support 170. Likewise, second-vertical-support 180 mayhave second-series of bar-bores 222 arrayed linearly, such that eachbore of the fourth-series of bores is oriented coaxially to acorresponding bore of first-series of bar-bores 220. As illustrated,this arrangement allows support-bar 130 to be passed through a selectedpair of corresponding bores (that is, a bore of the second-series ofbar-bores 222 and a corresponding coaxial bore of the first-series ofbar-bores 220), through each support, at a user-selected height. Assuch, exercise support frame 100 may be adjusted to accommodate users ofdiffering sizes by passing through a bore of the second-series ofbar-bores 222 and a corresponding coaxial bore of the first-series ofbar-bores 220 simultaneously.

Support-bar 130 may include the first-end having cap 133, the second-endhaving threaded-interface 131, and cylindrical body 135 which extendsbetween the first-end and the second-end. Support-bar 130 may be aunitary component; preferably a steel bar. Bar-fastener 140 may be ableto threadably interface with threaded-interface 131 of the second-end,and purposes the retention of support-bar 130 within frame 120.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interfaces between base 110 andframe 120 of the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Frame 120 may be affixed to base110 by four pins. First-pin 190 may be able to pinfirst-vertical-support 170 to a bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230(FIG. 6). Likewise, second-pin 192 able to pin the second-verticalsupport to a bore of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). Exercisesupport frame 100 may also include third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196.

Each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160 may yet furtherinclude first-plate 210, second-plate 212, gap 214, and stopper 216. Gap214 is defined by the separation between first-plate 210 andsecond-plate 212. As illustrated, second-plate 212 may be affixedparallel to first-plate 210, such that first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG.6) perforate both first-plate 210 and second-plate, and second-pair ofpin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) perforate both first-plate 210 and second-plate.Thusly, both first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) and thesecond-pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) may actually each be a collective of fourapertures, since each bore of each pair includes an aperture perforatingthe first-plate 210 and another aperture passing through thesecond-plate 212. Each set of corresponding apertures (two sets making apair of bores) are coaxial, such that a single pin may pass through bothapertures simultaneously. Accordingly, when either thefirst-vertical-support 170 or the second-vertical-support 180 occupy gap214, the bores may be lined up, and a pin may pass through the alignedbores to affix frame 120 to base 110.

However, either one or two pins may be inserted depending on whether auser desires frame 120 to be rigid relative to base 110, or able topivot. When only first-pin 190 affixes first-vertical-support 170 tofirst-interface 150 and only second-pin 192 affixessecond-vertical-support 180 to second-interface 160, frame 120 may pivotupon the base up to at least ninety degrees between deployed-position 10(FIG. 4) and undeployed-position 20 (FIG. 4).

Third-pin 194 may be able to pass through and affix any bore ofthird-pair of pin bores 232 of first-vertical-support 170 coaxially witha corresponding bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6); andfourth-pin 196 may likewise be able to pass through and affix any boreof fourth-pair of pin bores 236 of second-vertical-support 180 coaxiallywith a corresponding bore of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). Assuch, when both bores of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) areoccupied by first-pin 190 and third-pin 194, and both bores ofsecond-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) are occupied by second-pin 192 andfourth-pin 196, frame 120 is unable to pivot upon the base betweendeployed-position 10 (FIG. 4) and undeployed-position 20 (FIG. 4).

As shown, each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160 comprisea stop 216 preventing frame 120 from pivoting past vertical in a forwarddirection, the forward direction being opposite the backside of canopy132. Each stop 216 may comprise a metal plate affixed interiorly to gap214, or may consist of another mechanism.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the exercise support frame 100of FIG. 1 in deployed position 10 and undeployed position 20,respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Preferably, first-pin 190, second-pin 192, third-pin 194, and fourth-pin196 are all identical in shape and size, being differentiated only bytheir function. However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable thatfirst-pin 190 and second-pin 192 are difficult to remove without tools,while third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 are easier for a user to remove,as third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 are to be removed every time a userwishes to change between deployed-position 10 and undeployed-position20. As illustrated, it is first-pin 190 and second-pin 192, located mostproximally to base 110, which may remain in position while a userchanges exercise support frame 100 between deployed position 10 andundeployed position 20. Conversely, third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196must be removed to change between these two positions. It is envisionedthat the user may then stow third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 in the samebores to lock frame 120 in either orientation relative to base 110 byimpeding the return of first-vertical-support 170 andsecond-vertical-support 180. However, it is only necessary thatthird-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 be passed through both first-interface150 together with first-vertical support 170 second-interface 160together with second-vertical-support 180 when a user desires the lockexercise support frame 100 within deployed-position 10.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the exercisesupport frame 100. As shown, canopy 132 may be characterized by backside138, and backside 138 may include at least one wheel 134. Preferably,wheels 134 project sufficiently from backside 138 such that whenexercise support frame 100 is in undeployed position 20, wheels cansupport canopy 132 upon a floor surface.

FIG. 6 is an exploded detail view illustrating the bores withinfirst-interface 150, second-interface 160, first-vertical-support 170,and second-vertical-support 180. First-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6)perforates first-interface 150, and second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG.6) perforates second-interface 160. As shown, first-channel 240intersects first-pair of pin-bores 230, and divides first-interface 150,such that first-vertical-support 170 may pivot up to ninety degreeswithin the gap that first-channel 240 relieves. Likewise, second-channel242 intersects second-pair of pin-bores 232, and dividessecond-interface 160, such that second-vertical-support 180 may pivot upto ninety degrees within the gap that second-channel 242 relieves. Inboth geometry and function, first-interface 150 mirrors second-interface160. Preferably, each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160are trapezoidal in shape from a profile view, with one of the diagonalslopes of this trapezoidal shape being relieved by the channelcorresponding to each.

Also illustrated is third-pair of pin-bores 234 perforatingfirst-vertical-support 170, and fourth-pair of pin-bores 236 perforatingsecond-vertical-support 180. Separation of the pin bores is such thatthird-pair of pin-bores 234 aligns with first-pair of pin-bores 230 wheninstalled, and fourth-pair of pin-bores 236 aligns with second-pair ofpin-bores 232.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:
 1. An exercise support framecomprising a base including a platform having an underside and anupperside, the upperside being substantially flat; a plurality of feetaffixed to the underside of the platform; a first-interface rigidlyaffixed to the upperside of the platform and having a first-pair ofpin-bores arrayed linearly and a first-channel intersecting each bore ofthe first-pair of pin-bores; a second-interface rigidly affixed to theupperside of the platform and having a second-pair of pin-bores arrayedlinearly and a second-channel intersecting each bore of the second-pairof pin-bores; such that the first-channel and the second-channel areparallel to each other, and are each perpendicular to the upperside ofthe platform; a frame having a first-vertical-support having afirst-series of bar-bores arrayed linearly; a second-vertical-supporthaving a second-series of bar-bores arrayed linearly, such that eachbore of the second-series of bar-bores is oriented coaxially to acorresponding bore of the first-series of bar-bores; a third-pair ofpin-bores perforating the first-vertical support distally to thefirst-series of bar-bores; a fourth-pair of pin-bores perforating thefirst-vertical support distally to the second-series of bar-bores; acanopy rigidly joining the first-vertical-support to thesecond-vertical-support, such that the first-vertical-support and thesecond-vertical-support are parallel to each other; a support-bar ableto pass through a bore of the second-series of bar-bores and acorresponding coaxial bore of the first-series of bar-boressimultaneously, the support bar having a first-end having a cap, the capbeing sufficiently large to be impassable through any bore of either thefirst-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores, asecond-end having a threaded-interface, the threaded-interface beingsufficiently narrow in diameter to be passable through any bore of thefirst-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores, and acylindrical body extending between the first-end and the second-end, thecylindrical body being sufficiently narrow in diameter to be passablethrough any bore of the first-series of bar-bores and the second-seriesof bar-bores; a bar-fastener able to threadably interface with thesecond-end of the support-bar, the bar-fastener being sufficiently largeto be impassable through any bore of the first-series of bar-bores andthe second-series of bar-bores; a first-pin able to pass through andaffix any bore of the third-pair of pin-bores of thefirst-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of thefirst-pair of pin-bores; and a second-pin able to pass through and affixany bore of the fourth-pair of pin-bores of the second-vertical-supportcoaxially with a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores;such that when the first-pin affixes any bore of the third-pair of pinbores of the first-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding boreof the first-pair of pin-bores, and the second-pin affixes any bore ofthe fourth-pair of pin bores of the second-vertical-support coaxiallywith a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores, the frame isattached to the base.
 2. The exercise support frame of claim 1, whereinthe upperside of the platform is perforated by a plurality of slotsarranged in a rectangular array.
 3. The exercise support frame of claim1, wherein each of the first-vertical-support and thesecond-vertical-support comprise a first-plate, a second-plate affixedparallel to the first-plate, such that the first-pair of pin-boresperforate both the first-plate and second-plate, and the second-pair ofpin-bores perforate both the first-plate and second-plate, a gap betweenthe first-plate and the second-plate, such that when only the first-pinaffixes the first-vertical-support to the first-interface and only thesecond-pin affixes the second-vertical-support to the second-interface,the frame may pivot upon the base up to at least ninety degrees betweena deployed-position and an undeployed-position.
 4. The exercise supportframe of claim 3, further comprising a third-pin able to pass throughand affix any bore of the third-pair of pin bores of thefirst-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of thefirst-pair of pin-bores; and a fourth-pin able to pass through and affixany bore of the fourth-pair of pin bores of the second-vertical-supportcoaxially with a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores;such that when both bores of the first-pair of pin-bores are occupied bythe first-pin and the third-pin, and both bores of the second-pair ofpin-bores are occupied by the second-pin and the fourth-pin, the frameis unable to pivot upon the base between the deployed-position and thesecond-position.
 5. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein thecanopy comprises a backside, and the backside comprises at least onewheel.
 6. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein each of thefirst-interface and the second-interface comprise a stop preventing theframe from pivoting past vertical in a forward direction, the forwarddirection being opposite the backside of the canopy.
 7. The exercisesupport frame of claim 1, wherein each of the first-vertical-support andthe second-vertical-support comprise a handle.